Pledge

Kidney disease is a global health epidemic. With obesity,
diabetes, and hypertension on the rise, individuals across the
globe are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD),
which multiplies the prospect of premature death. In the
United States alone:

■ Twenty-six million Americans have chronic kidney disease
and millions more are at risk.

■ Currently, almost 400,000 Americans suffer from kidney
failure and need dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant
to stay alive, and nearly 83,000 are currently waiting for a
kidney transplant.

■ Because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are
actually failing, many people with kidney damage remain
unaware of the disease and do not take steps to protect the
health of their kidneys.

■ If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family
history of kidney disease, you’re at risk for kidney disease.

■ African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native
Americans, and seniors are at increased risk.

■ Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney
disease to kidney failure, and three simple tests can check
the health of your kidneys. Ask your doctor.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF), a major voluntary
non-profit health organization, is dedicated to preventing kidney
and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being
of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and
increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

With more than 50 local offices nationwide, the NKF provides
early-detection screenings and other vital patient and community
services, conducts extensive public and professional education,
advocates for patients through legislative action, and supports
organ donation and kidney research to identify new treatments.

You can make a difference in the fight against kidney disease
by helping us raise funds to support the National Kidney
Foundation and its local and nationwide programs.

To get started, go to www.kidney.org, where you can fund-raise for the Healthy Kidney 10K or make a direct donation or memorial gift to the NKF.